School of Podcasting - Podcast Tips to Plan, Launch, Grow Your Podcast

Unlocking Podcast Growth: The Power of Partnerships with Stephanie Thompson

Mar 24, 2025

Join Stephanie Thompson, a podcaster and educator in brand collaborations, as she shares her insightful journey in podcast partnerships. She reveals why partnerships are more effective than traditional sponsorships for growing your audience. Forget waiting for downloads; she landed partners before even launching her show! Stephanie stresses the importance of aligning with brands that share your values and maintaining integrity in collaborations. Plus, she shares tips on educating your partners to foster robust relationships. Tune in for actionable advice!

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ANECDOTE

Stephanie's First Partnership

Stephanie Thompson, a mom of two, needed to launch a podcast about women's pelvic health but lacked resources.
She secured her first brand partnership with zero downloads by pitching the CEO directly and focusing on shared values.

ADVICE

Backwards Engineering Partnerships

Identify brands you already use and trust that align with your podcast and audience.
This ensures authenticity and increases the likelihood of a successful partnership.

ADVICE

Asset Audit for Partnerships

Even with a small audience, demonstrate value to potential partners by showcasing your assets.
Highlight engaged communities, email lists, published books, or other platforms that demonstrate reach and influence.

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Today, we’re exploring the world of partnerships versus sponsorships with the fabulous Stephanie Thompson. The key takeaway? Partnerships are better at growing your show. Forget just pocketing cash for a shout-out; we’re talking about meaningful connections that can actually grow your audience.

Stephanie explains how she snagged partners before she even had a following—zero downloads, folks! So, if you’ve been thinking about how to take your podcast game to the next level, this chat is for you. Grab your earphones and get ready to learn how to team up with brands that vibe with your message!

Want Another Story of Someone Who Got a Sponsor Before Launching?

Check out The Riches are in the Niches With Harry Duran episode 767

Takeaways:

Partnerships are more about shared goals and values compared to one-off sponsorships.
Monetization through partnerships can grow your audience, not just your pocketbook.
It's all about the fit; the right audience and brand alignment are crucial for success.
Don't promote brands you don't believe in; integrity is key in partnerships.
Transparency with analytics and feedback helps maintain healthy brand relationships.
Educate your partners about your audience to foster better collaboration and understanding.
Stephanie did a "trial run" on her courses - BEFORE she launched.

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Help When You Don't Know Where To Start

I get it. I talk to people looking to launch or grow their podcast. "“There’s too much gear/software — I don’t know what I need.” Microphones, mixers, hosting platforms, editing software — it’s easy to get lost. Analysis paralysis kicks in fast. I help podcasters. I've been doing it 20 years. Let me help. Dave Jackson schoolofpodcasting.com/join

School of Podcasting

Podcast Expert Lab

7-step podcast partnership success: This course pays for itself after just ONE partnership. Imagine getting paid to talk about what you love with brands that align with your audience. Complete this on-demand course at your own pace, using short, bite-sized videos and actionable tasks to boost your podcast growth and income. You don’t need to be famous—you just need the drive to grow and the strategy to earn!

Podcast Expoert Lab

Question of the Month Jne 2025

We hear how great Spotify is, but is it? Let's find out. Go into your media host and see what percentage of your total downloads came from Spotify. We don't need the number of downloads, just the percentage. I need your answer by 6/27/25. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show, and your website address.

Question of the Month